He was also on target in the recent Capital One Cup victory at Tranmere Rovers and is now intent on rediscovering the goal-grabbing habit he had as a Manchester City player several years ago.

The 27-year-old scored 13 times in a season as recently as 2008-09 and said: "I knew that we were going to play Peter Crouch at Swansea and I knew that it was off him I can make my runs. Thankfully it worked like that to get my goal. I knew he’d see that pass.

"I'm happy I got on the score sheet and I need to build on that now. Goals and assists are an important part of my game and I need to get them going.

"To make sure we are not in the relegation zone is important, especially going into an international break. But we should be a bit higher than what we are. We are all aware of that and we are all working hard for that.

"It's a few minor details about finishing games off and seeing games out when we are in such a great positions. There are a few little things we need to fix but we are heading in the right direction."

Some may debate whether Stoke left South Wales unsure about celebrating a useful point won or bemoaning the loss of two. But the overall mood was one of an opportunity missed.

"We are kicking ourselves," Ireland added. "We put ourselves in such a good position but couldn’t finish the job. It could have been a hell of a lot worse if we lost 3-2 but we are still kicking ourselves.

"We did rescue a draw in the end, so we can take something from it rather than nothing. It could have been worse. Football is crazy at times. At 2-0 up to 3-2 behind, then getting a penalty in the last minute to save a point... it’s crazy."